Experiencing an Orthodontic Emergency?
When braces break or wires poke, knowing your next step makes all the difference.
Orthodontic treatment is a significant investment in your smile, and most of the journey goes smoothly. But every now and then, we see an orthodontic emergency in Greenwood Village. A bracket pops off, a wire starts poking your cheek, or an aligner cracks in the middle of the week.
Handling an Orthodontic Emergency in Greenwood Village
If you've never dealt with an orthodontic emergency before, it can feel stressful and confusing. The good news is that most orthodontic emergencies are manageable with a little know-how, and our team at Iritani Orthodontics is always here to help when you need us most.
What Counts as an Orthodontic Emergency?
Not every inconvenience rises to the level of an emergency. Understanding the difference between a minor issue and a true orthodontic emergency helps you respond calmly and appropriately.
A true orthodontic emergency is one that involves significant pain, injury to the mouth, a loose appliance that could cause harm, or a situation that could seriously set back your treatment. These include things like a broken wire that's cutting into your cheek or gum tissue, a completely dislodged bracket, a lost or cracked retainer, or trauma to the mouth that affects your braces or teeth.
Less urgent situations, like a slightly loose bracket that isn't causing pain or a wire that feels mildly irritating, can often wait until your next available appointment or be addressed with simple at-home measures while you wait.
What Should I Do if a Wire Is Poking Me?
A poking wire is one of the most common orthodontic emergencies patients experience. Before calling us in a panic, try using a clean cotton swab or the eraser end of a pencil to gently push the wire away from the soft tissue it's irritating. If that doesn't work, orthodontic wax is your best friend. Rolling a small piece of wax and pressing it over the sharp end of the wire creates a barrier between the metal and the inside of your cheek or lip.
If the wire has broken and cannot be tucked or covered, call our office right away. Do not try to cut the wire yourself unless it's causing severe irritation and you genuinely cannot reach us, in which case small fingernail clippers sanitized with rubbing alcohol can be used carefully as a last resort.
What Should I Do if a Bracket Comes Off?
A dislodged bracket is another frequent orthodontic emergency. If the bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and cover it with orthodontic wax to prevent irritation. If it has come off completely, save it if you can and bring it to your appointment.
Contact our office so we can schedule a repair. A loose or missing bracket can slow your progress, so it's worth getting it fixed promptly rather than waiting until your next scheduled adjustment.
Five Things to Keep in Your Orthodontic Emergency Kit
Being prepared at home can make any orthodontic emergency much easier to handle. We recommend keeping these items on hand:
- Orthodontic wax for covering sharp brackets or wires
- A small mirror so you can see what you're working with
- Dental floss to dislodge food stuck around brackets or wires
- Pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for soreness after adjustments or injuries
- Our office phone number saved in your contacts so you can reach us quickly
When Should I Call the Office Immediately?
If you're experiencing an orthodontic emergency in Greenwood Village that involves severe pain, bleeding, a loose tooth, swelling, or visible injury to your mouth, call us as soon as possible. We prioritize emergency appointments for our patients and will do our best to see you quickly.
Even if you're unsure whether what you're experiencing qualifies as an orthodontic emergency, don't hesitate to call. We'd rather talk you through a minor issue over the phone than have you sit at home uncomfortable and worried.
Can I Prevent Orthodontic Emergencies?
Many orthodontic emergencies can be reduced by avoiding hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that put excess stress on your braces. Wearing a mouthguard during sports is also essential. Regular checkups allow us to spot issues before they become urgent. Still, some emergencies happen no matter how careful you are, and that's completely okay.
Don't Wait When Your Smile Needs Help
If you're dealing with an orthodontic emergency in Greenwood Village, reach out to Iritani Orthodontics right away. Call us at 303-740-7088 or use our online scheduling tool to request an urgent appointment. We're here to make sure your treatment stays on track and your comfort is never compromised.
